The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-10-31
THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT.

THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT
The rumor that reaches US from Paris, to
the effect that the resignation Of President
Greyy will certainly follow determined
effort by his political opponents to make
his administration the subject of official
investigation, rcvivcs the history OF the
preceding presidents, both Of whom re-
signed before their terms Of Office expired.
NJ Theirs, the savior OF France, found
himself, after he had been about two years
in Office, confronted by the question whether
he should dictate his policies 10 his minis
tiers or be dictated to by them. The Con
servatiycs in the National Assembly had
become alarmed at tn, rapid and vigorous
growth Of Republican sentiment among
the people, IA evidenced by several recent
elections, and were resolved toeither drive
their arch-enemies, Mill, Simon and Say,
from the Cabinet, or force W. Theirs 10 re-
sign. Failing 10 secure the coveted seats
for men Of their own choosing, they opened
a relentless flre upon the whole policy Of
the government, aud put Theirs into po.
sition where nothing remained for him 10
do but 10 resign. This resignation, and
the election Of his successor, took place on
the cath Of May, 1873, During the term
Of President MacMahon, who fol-
lowed him, the constitution was adopted
bu, with provisions OF the same indefinite
character concerning the functions OF the
chief magistrate. The consequence was
that, before hc had been six ycar in office,
MacMahon found himself face 10 face with
the same problem which had driven Theirs
into private life. lie was willing 10 choose
the bulk Of his Ministry from The dom
inani party IN the assembly. but he had
no notion Of becoming mere automaton,
AMI signing any decree which the Premier
might bring 10 his desk lie, too, chose
official retirement in preference Ia
involuntary placement, and made
way for NJ. Gry, whom the
assembly regarded rs composed Of
more tnciable material. A careful and
prudent man, typical bourgeois, and an
able lawyer. lac ha served the republic
faithfully. and has proven himself some
thing more than a man Of straw. In the
case 81 Boulangcr he did not hesitate a
moment, although lac was threatened by
the dirst consequences by the extremists.
The general had become a bigger man than
the President. and II he did not openly On.
courage tho statement Of his aspirations 10
dictatorship did nothing to discourage
them. Ills popularity with the army and
the people almost prccipitaicd crisis, but
81. Grcyy was not In the least frightened.
lie asked for TOulangcrs resignation, and
ordered him IN service at the head Of one
Of the army corps II is fair To assume tina,
the same power 81 viii ~ carried the
| President through thai difficulty will
sustain him through the trial prccipiia,ed
by the corruption Of his spn.in.lAw, NJ.
wilsIn. a corruption that hAs been uncoy-
or,-i by 81 Gvyy sohoscn minister Of var,
Gen. fcrron. he has nothing 10 fear iruui
such an investigation. aud, ~ he has shown,
h. IA not the mar 10 he iorocd irom his po'
Etion by mere cshal. lie knows hi,
tights a. PrcsiiJn, aud will maintain them.
lie b q safe aud steady guide, iua such a
ono ~ Frame needs Ills administration
Is dull. compared with tina, oi others, but
/ Il Is reliable The Republicans hay,
gnatly increased their forces aud their
power since he took the Tin,, and
they have carried many impor
tant measures In connection with
public education aud the amclioraIion o
the working CLASSES They have al,o mi
iiaicd aud completed many grcaI
needed and public works, and
though the public debt has hccr
increased, have managed general,
~ we'll that France has never been y,
prosperous ~ she j. ut this moment, and
she never wasps rich In resources tn,
economies and industries Of her people
have enabled them to rccupcrtc their own